U.S. Springfield M1873 Trapdoor .45-70 Single Shot Rifle, MFD 1887 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: WY250312DC002
Make: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model: Model 1873 Trapdoor
Serial Number: 372381
Year of Manufacture: 1887
Caliber: .45-70 (Black powder)
Action Type: Trapdoor, single shot
Markings: The rear of the breech is marked “372381”. The top of the action is marked “U.S Model 1873”. The lock plate is marked with a federal eagle and “U.S. Springfield”. The left side of the barrel is marked “VP P”. The right side of the barrel band is marked “U”. The heel of the buttplate is marked “US.”
Barrel Length: 32.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set into a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is an 1879 style rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a single piece walnut with a forend cap, sling loop/stacking ring, barrel band, two through bolts, sling loop, straight wrist, straight comb, and steel buttplate. There are moderate handling marks throughout. There is a crack forming at the wrist. There are no notable chips. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors’ firearms.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. There is thinning, refinished over pitting marks, and light wear marks throughout. There is light wear throughout. The action has light wear. The screw heads show moderate use. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle, manufactured in 1887, is a classic example of the iconic single-shot service rifle that armed American soldiers during the latter half of the 19th century. Chambered in .45-70 Government, the Trapdoor Springfield was the standard-issue rifle of the U.S. Army from 1873 through the 1890s, seeing service during the Indian Wars, in frontier outposts, and with volunteer units through the Spanish-American War. The Model 1873 represents one of the most important transitional designs in American military small arms—bridging the gap between muzzleloaders and modern repeaters—with its hinged breechblock “trapdoor” mechanism and robust black powder chambering. This rifle is in good condition for its age, retaining about 70% of a refinished blued finish, with thinning and areas of pitting visible beneath the surface. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only faint erosion, earning a 9/10 in this writer’s opinion—impressive for a black powder firearm from this period. The walnut stock has been refinished and shows moderate wear with scattered handling marks and a crack forming at the wrist, though it remains structurally sound. The lockplate and receiver markings, including the eagle and “Model 1873,” are clearly visible. All major parts are intact, including the stacking swivel, sling loops, and buttplate stamped “U.S.” The action functions correctly, including the half-cock notch for safety.
As an antique firearm, this Springfield Trapdoor rifle holds tremendous appeal for collectors of U.S. military arms and enthusiasts of frontier-era weaponry. Its historical context, strong mechanical integrity, and excellent bore make it both a collectible and a potential black powder shooter with appropriate loads. Whether for display, historical research, or careful shooting, this 1887 Trapdoor stands as a tangible link to America’s post-Civil War military development and frontier expansion. -R.E.
